How long should cars be allowed to park in Thurso streets?
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Residents and businesses in Thurso are being given a chance to have their say on what parking restrictions should apply in the town centre.
Striking the balance between avoiding congestion and allowing easy access for shoppers and people going about their daily business has so far proved elusive.
The two-hour standard limit on parking proposed by local Highland councillors won support at last Tuesday's meeting of Thurso Community Council.
Community councillor Billy Sinclair said that four different restrictions are currently in force. He believed a uniform two-hour limit would be sensible.
He said: "We should say that is what we want. We don't want people in Inverness telling us how long it should be."
Chairwoman Thelma Mackenzie noted that the former 30-minute maximum on parking in a central part of Princes Street had since been increased to an hour.
She said: "Some of the businesses feel this is still too short a time. If someone, say, has parked outside the Pentland (Hotel) for a a funeral (reception), an hour is not long enough."
Echoing Mr Sinclair, Mrs MacKenzie said: "The decision should be made by local people, not imposed from Inverness."
She believed there is a need for restrictions to prevent motorists hogging prime parking spots all day.
Acting secretary Iain Gregory said he has had representations from businesses unhappy about the ban on parking outside their premises at The Arcade.
Mr Gregory added: "No-one for one minute is criticising the parking warden for enforcing the regulations."
Highland councillor Ron Gunn said the local authority is to carry out a review in which the views of residents are being sought.
A call was made at the meeting to relocate the bus stance in Olrig Street, outside the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Community councillor James Campbell said: "You can get two or three buses parked nose to tail in front of the traffic lights while you've got an artic coming from Traill Street that has to manoeuvre round them.
"I think the bus stance needs to be moved elsewhere."
Colleague Bert Macleod said it has been a long-time issue but questioned where else the stance could go.
Mr Campbell believed it could be re-sited further along Olrig Street.
